US President Donald Trump plans to impose a 25% tariff on imports of autos, drugs, and chips. The move has prompted India, Japan, and other nations to negotiate trade terms with the US. Trump’s new tariff plan aims to enforce stricter trade policies globally.

Trump escalates tariff threat with 25% tax on imports

Germany is facing its toughest economic challenge in decades…as the country heads into a critical election, the debate over fiscal reforms and investment in infrastructure is more urgent than ever. With predictions of a prolonged downturn and rising far-right support, the question remains: Can Germany turn its economic fortunes around?

Can Germany overcome its economic challenges?

Representatives from Russia and the United States have initiated discussions on reviving economic cooperation. The talks are led by Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian direct investment fund.

Russia eyes economic reset on Ukraine talks

Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to grow by 5% in 2025, according to President Anura Dissanayake. He presented the country’s first full-year budget under the national people’s power government. This budget is a crucial step in Sri Lanka's post-crisis recovery, with a primary focus on fiscal discipline and long-term stability. The government is targeting a budget deficit of 6.7% of GDP, slightly reduced from 6.8% in 2024.

Sri Lanka’s 2025 budget focuses on recovery

<p class="MsoNormal">It's Valentine's Day and is the perfect time to discuss love and finances. What is the cost of love this Valentine's season? Romance and love is in the air, but the wallets feel the pressure. The latest lending-tree survey of over 2,000 customers indicates that Americans in relationships are allocating an average of 179 dollars for their Valentine's Day dates.<br><br>While some couples are embracing the romantic holiday, most are swiping left. Almost fifty per cent of those surveyed said they would happily forgo the holiday and cost entirely if given the option. About one-third of Americans consider it worthwhile to demonstrate their affection for their partner, even if they have to take on debt.<br><br>Most plan to cut back on their spending this year, compared to 2024. About 60 per cent think inflation has made it more difficult to purchase Valentine's Day presents.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Wallets feeling the pressure?</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Flower prices usually soar and the surge in cocoa prices have made chocolates more expensive. Prices of cocoa &mdash; a key ingredient in chocolate &mdash; have increased relentlessly to new records over the past year, forcing companies to hike the prices of their products.<br><br>The cost of almost everything have surged, making romantic gifts such as food and jewellery more expensive.&nbsp;Inflation is clearly hurting, with nearly 40 per cent surveyed not expecting any purchased gifts this time around.<br><br>Even the perception of how to celebrate this Valentine's has changed compared to last year. About 25 per cent of Americans now perceive a restaurant date as a show-off and unnecessary. Still, based on data from wallet-hub, a financial information site, Americans are expected to shell out 25.8 billion dollars this year on Valentine's Day.<br><br>That puts it in the third place among the most expensive holidays. The inflation bite is not restricted to America alone. Globally, too, price pressures have hurt household budgets.<br><br>The sentiment of a cutback is similar across the world for Valentine's Day spending. Still, the industries that rely on Valentine's Day business are hoping for continued celebrations. Gift shops, florists, restaurants, jewellery stores, and Valentine-Day theme makers for brand building are some of the businesses looking at their margins amid elevated inflation.<br><br>Will price pressures hit Valentine's spending, or will love take over?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>(With the inputs from the agencies)<o:p></o:p></i></p>

Business & Economy: The latest lending-tree survey of over 2,000 customers indicates that Americans in relationships are allocating an average of 179 dollars for their Valentine's Day dates.

It's Valentine's Day and is the perfect time to discuss love and finances. What is the cost of love this Valentine's season? Romance and love is in the air, but the wallets feel the pressure. The latest lending-tree survey of over 2,000 customers indicates that Americans in relationships are allocating an average of 179 dollars for their Valentine's Day dates. While some couples are embracing the romantic holiday, most are swiping left. Almost fifty per cent of those surveyed said they would happily forgo the holiday and cost entirely if given the option. About one-third of Americans consider it worthwhile to demonstrate their affection for their partner, even if they have to take on debt. Most plan to cut back on their spending this year, compared to 2024. About 60 per cent think inflation has made it more difficult to purchase Valentine's Day presents. Wallets feeling the pressure? Flower prices usually soar and the surge in cocoa prices have made chocolates more expensive. Prices of cocoa — a key ingredient in chocolate — have increased relentlessly to new records over the past year, forcing companies to hike the prices of their products. The cost of almost everything have surged, making romantic gifts such as food and jewellery more expensive. Inflation is clearly hurting, with nearly 40 per cent surveyed not expecting any purchased gifts this time around. Even the perception of how to celebrate this Valentine's has changed compared to last year. About 25 per cent of Americans now perceive a restaurant date as a show-off and unnecessary. Still, based on data from wallet-hub, a financial information site, Americans are expected to shell out 25.8 billion dollars this year on Valentine's Day. That puts it in the third place among the most expensive holidays. The inflation bite is not restricted to America alone. Globally, too, price pressures have hurt household budgets. The sentiment of a cutback is similar across the world for Valentine's Day spending. Still, the industries that rely on Valentine's Day business are hoping for continued celebrations. Gift shops, florists, restaurants, jewellery stores, and Valentine-Day theme makers for brand building are some of the businesses looking at their margins amid elevated inflation. Will price pressures hit Valentine's spending, or will love take over? (With the inputs from the agencies)

The economics of Valentine's Day

The UK economy grew by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024, against expectations for a 0.1% decline, according to the Office for National Statistics. Watch this report for more details!

UK economy grows 0.1% in December quarter of 2024

China’s lottery industry achieved a major milestone in 2024, surpassing 600 billion yuan in total sales for the first time in its 40-year history. The final figure reached 623. 5 billion yuan, marking a 7. 6% increase from the previous year.

China's lottery sales hit record high

India’s economy is still the fastest-growing in the world—but is it starting to sputter? With tax cuts and lower interest rates, will this be the fuel needed to power growth, or just a temporary boost?

Can tax cuts kickstart India's slowing growth?

Russia reported strong economic growth for 2024 as record spending on the military offensive against Ukraine outweighed the impact of Western sanctions. Watch this report for more details!

Putin hails Russia's strong 2024 economic growth

The Reserve Bank of India is widely expected to cut interest rates for the first time in nearly five years. This is according to a Reuters survey of economists and analysts. Inflation in India has declined; however, it still remains above the RBI's medium-term target of four percent. Still, the expected rate cut is to revive the flagging economy, which has seen growth hit a four-year low.

India's RBI to cut rates  for the first time since 2020

Federal reserve policymakers cautioned the trump administration's extensive tariffs pose inflationary concerns. However, they refrained from indicating how this influences their monetary policy considerations amid significant uncertainty.

Fed officials say Trump's Tariffs may drive up inflation

<p dir="ltr"><span>India is expected to record GDP growth of 6.3-6.8 per cent in the financial year 2025-26 on the back of strong fundamentals, calibrated fiscal consolidation and stable private consumption, said the Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Friday (Jan 31).</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The economic growth rate is estimated to slip to a 4-year low of 6.4 per cent in the current financial year.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>"...The fundamentals of the domestic economy remain robust, with a strong external account, calibrated fiscal consolidation and stable private consumption. On the balance of these considerations, we expect that the growth in FY26 would be between 6.3 and 6.8 per cent," the survey said.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Also read | </span><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/budget-session-2025-to-infuse-new-confidence-energy-to-attain-goal-of-viksit-bharat-pm-modi-8676893">Budget session 2025 to infuse new confidence, energy to attain goal of &lsquo;Viksit Bharat&rsquo;: PM Modi</a></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The Economic Survey 2024-25, tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in both houses of Parliament, said navigating global headwinds will require strategic and prudent policy management and reinforcing the domestic fundamentals.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The Budget 2024-25 laid out a multi-sectoral policy agenda for sustained growth push.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>It further said that investment activity is expected to pick up, supported by higher public capex and improving business expectations.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Also read | </span><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-droupadi-murmu-in-india-budget-session-commencement-speech-highlights-major-government-milestones-highlights-here-8677131">India budget session | President Murmu in commencement speech highlights govt milestones, says working at 'thrice the speed'</a></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>As regards inflation, it said the risk from higher commodity prices seems limited in FY26. However, geopolitical tensions are still an issue, it added.</span><b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Food inflation is likely to soften in Q4 FY25 with seasonal easing of vegetable prices and Kharif harvest arrivals.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

India's GDP is projected to grow at -% in FY -, driven by strong economic fundamentals, fiscal consolidation, and stable private consumption, per the Economic Survey.

India is expected to record GDP growth of 6.3-6.8 per cent in the financial year 2025-26 on the back of strong fundamentals, calibrated fiscal consolidation and stable private consumption, said the Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Friday (Jan 31). The economic growth rate is estimated to slip to a 4-year low of 6.4 per cent in the current financial year. "...The fundamentals of the domestic economy remain robust, with a strong external account, calibrated fiscal consolidation and stable private consumption. On the balance of these considerations, we expect that the growth in FY26 would be between 6.3 and 6.8 per cent," the survey said. Also read | Budget session 2025 to infuse new confidence, energy to attain goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’: PM Modi The Economic Survey 2024-25, tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in both houses of Parliament, said navigating global headwinds will require strategic and prudent policy management and reinforcing the domestic fundamentals. The Budget 2024-25 laid out a multi-sectoral policy agenda for sustained growth push. It further said that investment activity is expected to pick up, supported by higher public capex and improving business expectations. Also read | India budget session | President Murmu in commencement speech highlights govt milestones, says working at 'thrice the speed' As regards inflation, it said the risk from higher commodity prices seems limited in FY26. However, geopolitical tensions are still an issue, it added. Food inflation is likely to soften in Q4 FY25 with seasonal easing of vegetable prices and Kharif harvest arrivals. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India’s GDP projected to 6.3-6.8 pc growth in FY26: Economic Survey

Preparations for the Chinese Lunar New Year are coming to a close as China and several communities prepare to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

China gears up for prosperous Year of the Snake

Millions of Chinese travellers are making their way home for the Lunar New Year celebrations and starting the spring festival with travel. Watch this report for more details!

Lunar new year travellers in China face economic uncertainty

According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the number of people seeking employment in the country of 170 million has hit 2.66 million.

Economist Yunus leads Bangladesh to economic collapse

Bangladesh is facing mounting economic challenges as both public and private investments remain stagnant. Watch this report for more details!

Bangladesh risks crisis as investment plummets

As Donald Trump takes office on Monday, we need to consider how his administration will be evaluated, especially regarding its economic success. Since the pandemic, the U. S. Economy has outperformed its peers in several ways, making it the object of envy around the globe. Watch in for more details!

Trump 2.0: How to judge Trump's economic performance?

China's economy grew by 5% in 2024, according to official data. While this was slightly above the forecasted 4.9%, it marked the slowest growth in decades, excluding the pandemic years.

China grapples with slow growth

<div>China recorded one of its slowest rates of economic growth in decades last year, data showed Friday, as leaders nervously eye a potential trade standoff with the US President-elect Donald Trump.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Beijing has in recent months announced its most aggressive support measures in years in a bid to reignite an economy that has suffered on multiple fronts, including a prolonged property market debt crisis and sluggish consumer spending.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The economy grew by five per cent last year, official data from Beijing's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Friday, down from 5.2 in 2023.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The growth took place in the face of a "complicated and severe environment with increasing external pressures and internal difficulties", the NBS said.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The economy was still facing "difficulties and challenges", officials admitted.</div>
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<div>Retail sales, a key gauge of consumer sentiment, were up 3.5 per cent -- a major slump from the 7.2 per cent growth recorded in 2023.</div>
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<div>But industrial output rose by 5.8 per cent, up from 4.6 per cent the previous year.</div>
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<div>The GDP growth rate is the lowest recorded by China since 1990, excluding the financially tumultuous years of the COVID-19 pandemic.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-vice-president-han-zheng-to-represent-xi-at-donald-trumps-inauguration-8628526" title="China's Vice President Han Zheng to represent Xi at Trump's inauguration" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-vice-president-han-zheng-to-represent-xi-at-donald-trumps-inauguration-8628526</a></div>
<div></div>
<div>Analysts surveyed by AFP estimated growth could fall to just 4.4 per cent in 2025 and even drop below four per cent the following year.</div>
<div></div>
<div>China has so far failed to rebound from the pandemic, with domestic spending remaining mired in a slump and indebted local governments dragging on total growth.</div>
<div></div>
<div>In a rare bright spot, official data showed earlier this week that China's exports reached a historic high last year.</div>
<div></div>
<div>But gathering storm clouds over the country's massive trade surplus means that Beijing may not be able to count on exports to boost an otherwise lacklustre economy.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Trump, who will begin his second term next week, has promised to unleash heavy sanctions on China.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Beijing has introduced a series of measures in recent months to bolster the economy, including cutting key interest rates, easing local government debt and expanding subsidy programmes for household goods.</div>
<div></div>
<h2><strong>Confidence 'crisis'</strong></h2>
<div>Observers were closely watching Friday's data release -- which will also include readings covering the final quarter of last year -- for signs those measures succeeded in reviving activity.</div>
<div></div>
<div>"With a package of incremental policies being timely rolled out... social confidence was effectively bolstered and the economy recovered remarkably," the NBS said.</div>
<div></div>
<div>China's central bank has indicated in recent weeks that 2025 will see it implement further rate cuts, part of a key shift characterised by a "moderately loose" monetary policy stance.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-next-target-is-china-trumps-secretary-of-state-pick-marco-rubio-solidifies-foreign-policy" title="Trump's next target is China | Trump's secretary of state pick Marco Rubio solidifies foreign policy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-next-target-is-china-trumps-secretary-of-state-pick-marco-rubio-solidifies-foreign-policy</a></div>
<div></div>
<div>However, analysts warn that more efforts are needed to boost domestic consumption as the outlook for Chinese exports becomes more uncertain.</div>
<div></div>
<div>"Monetary policy support alone is unlikely to right the economy," Harry Murphy Cruise of Moody's Analytics told AFP.</div>
<div></div>
<div>"China is suffering from a crisis of confidence, not one of credit; families and firms do not have the confidence in the economy to warrant borrowing, regardless of how cheap it is to do so," he wrote.</div>
<div></div>
<div>"To that end, fiscal supports are needed to grease the economy's wheels."</div>
<div></div>
<div>One component of Beijing's newest policy toolbox is a subsidy scheme -- now expanded to include more household items including rice cookers and microwave ovens -- that it hopes will encourage spending.</div>
<div></div>
<div>However, recent data shows that government efforts have not yet achieved a full rebound in consumer activity.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-nearlink-faster-than-bluetooth-tech" title="China's Nearlink: Faster than bluetooth tech" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-nearlink-faster-than-bluetooth-tech</a></div>
<div></div>
<div>China narrowly avoided a slip into deflation in December, statistics authorities said last week, with prices rising at their slowest pace in nine months.</div>
<div></div>
<div>China emerged from a four-month period of deflation in February, a month after suffering the sharpest fall in prices for 14 years.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Deflation can pose a threat to the broader economy as consumers tend to postpone purchases under such conditions, hoping for further reductions.</div>
<div></div>
<div><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></div>
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World: Business and Economy: China's sluggish economic growth raises alarms globally, especially regarding upcoming trade challenges with the US as new leadership takes the helm.

China recorded one of its slowest rates of economic growth in decades last year, data showed Friday, as leaders nervously eye a potential trade standoff with the US President-elect Donald Trump. Beijing has in recent months announced its most aggressive support measures in years in a bid to reignite an economy that has suffered on multiple fronts, including a prolonged property market debt crisis and sluggish consumer spending. The economy grew by five per cent last year, official data from Beijing's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Friday, down from 5.2 in 2023. The growth took place in the face of a "complicated and severe environment with increasing external pressures and internal difficulties", the NBS said. The economy was still facing "difficulties and challenges", officials admitted. Retail sales, a key gauge of consumer sentiment, were up 3.5 per cent -- a major slump from the 7.2 per cent growth recorded in 2023. But industrial output rose by 5.8 per cent, up from 4.6 per cent the previous year. The GDP growth rate is the lowest recorded by China since 1990, excluding the financially tumultuous years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-vice-president-han-zheng-to-represent-xi-at-donald-trumps-inauguration-8628526 Analysts surveyed by AFP estimated growth could fall to just 4.4 per cent in 2025 and even drop below four per cent the following year. China has so far failed to rebound from the pandemic, with domestic spending remaining mired in a slump and indebted local governments dragging on total growth. In a rare bright spot, official data showed earlier this week that China's exports reached a historic high last year. But gathering storm clouds over the country's massive trade surplus means that Beijing may not be able to count on exports to boost an otherwise lacklustre economy. Trump, who will begin his second term next week, has promised to unleash heavy sanctions on China. Beijing has introduced a series of measures in recent months to bolster the economy, including cutting key interest rates, easing local government debt and expanding subsidy programmes for household goods. Confidence 'crisis' Observers were closely watching Friday's data release -- which will also include readings covering the final quarter of last year -- for signs those measures succeeded in reviving activity. "With a package of incremental policies being timely rolled out... social confidence was effectively bolstered and the economy recovered remarkably," the NBS said. China's central bank has indicated in recent weeks that 2025 will see it implement further rate cuts, part of a key shift characterised by a "moderately loose" monetary policy stance. Also read | https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-next-target-is-china-trumps-secretary-of-state-pick-marco-rubio-solidifies-foreign-policy However, analysts warn that more efforts are needed to boost domestic consumption as the outlook for Chinese exports becomes more uncertain. "Monetary policy support alone is unlikely to right the economy," Harry Murphy Cruise of Moody's Analytics told AFP. "China is suffering from a crisis of confidence, not one of credit; families and firms do not have the confidence in the economy to warrant borrowing, regardless of how cheap it is to do so," he wrote. "To that end, fiscal supports are needed to grease the economy's wheels." One component of Beijing's newest policy toolbox is a subsidy scheme -- now expanded to include more household items including rice cookers and microwave ovens -- that it hopes will encourage spending. However, recent data shows that government efforts have not yet achieved a full rebound in consumer activity. Also read | https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-nearlink-faster-than-bluetooth-tech China narrowly avoided a slip into deflation in December, statistics authorities said last week, with prices rising at their slowest pace in nine months. China emerged from a four-month period of deflation in February, a month after suffering the sharpest fall in prices for 14 years. Deflation can pose a threat to the broader economy as consumers tend to postpone purchases under such conditions, hoping for further reductions. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China says economy grew by 5 pc last year driven by new factories, surging exports

Despite rapid interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada, Canadians are growing increasingly worried about their financial health. The MNP Consumer Debt Index, a broad gauge of how Canadians feel about their ability to pay down debt, has dropped 10 points to 79, one of its lowest readings since inception.

50% of Canadians $200 away from insolvency: Poll

A privately-owned development outside the Kenyan capital is attracting residents and businesses with its strict rules and modern infrastructure. Watch in for more details!

TATU CITY: Kenya's model for African urbanization

India’s growth story faces a reality check. After leading global economic growth in recent years, Asia's third-largest economy has downgraded its forecast to 6.4 percent for the fiscal year ending March 2025, its slowest pace in four years.

India cuts growth forecast to 6.4%, slowest in 4 years

Saudi Arabia began 2025 on a borrowing binge to finance its massive economic reform plan. Last year, the kingdom was one of the biggest bond issuers among developing markets. On Monday, the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund revealed a 7 billion dollar Islamic loan negotiated with 20 banks. The bonds issued for 12 billion dollars were also unveiled. Watch in for more details!

Saudi Arabia's large borrowings to fund economic-transformation plan

Generation Beta is emerging as a green, tech-driven, and innovative force, poised to reshape the future with their eco-conscious mindset and technological prowess.

Generation beta: 2025 welcomes eco-conscious, tech-savvy, and future shapers

2025 has begun with Israelis facing one of the toughest economic years in recent memory. The approximately 11 billion dollar war bill has triggered a wave of austerity measures. For every household, this means higher costs. Watch in for more details!

Israel’s Economy Faces Rising Interest Rates & Slumping Tourism

The Kenyan shilling's outstanding performance this year was somewhat offset by rising food and transport expenses, leading to a second consecutive month of increases in the annual inflation rate in December.

Kenya Faces Inflation Cost Of Living Crisis | Inflation Rises To 3%

As part of its grand strategy to restore stability in its war-torn economy and entice international investment, Syria is contemplating legalizing Bitcoin and the digitization of the Syrian pound. Watch in for more details!

Syria Eyes Bitcoin To Revive Economy

To transform Pakistan over the next five years, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched a national strategy for expedited economic growth on Tuesday. Sharif declared that the five-year National Economic Transformation Plan, titled "Uraan Pakistan," will guide the nation towards sustainable growth based on macroeconomic stability. Take a look at this next report for more on the details of the plan. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan's New Economic Plan In Focus

As 2024 draws to a close, China’s economy continues to grapple with the challenges that have emerged post-COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some positive signs of recovery, the country faces significant struggles, particularly in its real estate sector. The collapse of the housing market, once a driving force behind decades of economic growth, has left millions of households financially exposed and eroded confidence in the future. Watch in for more details!

China's Economic Outlook Uncertain As 2025 Looms

War has been a constant drain on global economies, with devastating effects that linger long after the fighting ends. From the cost of rebuilding post-war Europe after World War II to the lasting economic scars left by conflicts in West Asia, the financial toll of war is staggering. Watch in for more details!

Global Economy Feels The Burden Of War’s Ripple Effects

China kept its powder dry for next year in anticipation of a probable escalation in trade hostilities with the U.S.

Beijing refrained from a rate cut, while it drained the most cash since 2014 using a one-year policy tool.

China Avoids Rate Cut For 2025 Pressures | World Business Watch

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